Federal Court Strikes Down 75-Country Immigrant Visa Ban
A federal judge ruled on Aug. 21 that the State Department's suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries violated immigration law, reopening pathways for green card applicants from affected nations.
A federal judge struck down the Trump administration's suspension of immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, ruling that the State Department exceeded its authority, as the policy had halted immigrant visa issuance for affected applicants based on concerns they could become a public charge.
On August 21, 2026, a federal judge in the Southern District of New York vacated a State Department policy that had suspended immigrant visa issuance to nationals of 75 countries since January 2026. This ruling represents a significant shift in green card availability for applicants from the affected countries.
Practical Impact
If you are seeking a green card from outside the U.S. and your country was among the 75 subject to the ban, this court decision restores your ability to process an immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate. However, note that the decision comes amid a broader series of changes affecting legal immigration and visa processing, so conditions remain fluid. Check with the State Department or consulates to confirm current processing status for your specific category and country. The administration may appeal this ruling, so monitor updates from travel.state.gov.
Sources
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